Attorney Perspectives Archives

In late August, the destructive Hurricane Harvey unleashed itself on the city of Houston. In its wake, thousands of Houstonians were left homeless as a result of flooding in their homes. Approximately 80 percent of the people that had their homes damaged by Harvey didn't have flood insurance.

The commission of an actionable tort frequently occurs in the context of, or is the impetus for, a divorce or child custody proceeding. Some examples of potential torts that you may encounter are: (1) Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress; (2) Assault and Battery; (3) Defamation of Character; and (4) Invasion of Privacy.

A group of flooded-out Harris County homeowners and businesses sued the federal government on Tuesday, accusing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of knowingly condemning their properties by releasing water from the Barker and Addicks reservoirs after Hurricane Harvey.

Earlier this month, Dr. Eric Haufrect sued Houston Methodist Hospital alleging the hospital recorded conversations between patients and nurses without their knowledge or consent. The lawsuit alleges this was Methodist's policy possibly for as long as eight years. Additionally, Dr. Haufrect alleges retaliation from the hospital for speaking out against the recordings.

The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month which kicked off September 15 and runs through October 15. This is a special time to celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. As a city with a large Latino population, Houston kicked off the celebration with the annual Fiestas Patrias parade. For more information on events in the Houston area in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, please visit www.hispanichouston.com.

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in United States v. Texas, a suit in which Texas along with twenty-five other states are challenging the Obama administration's initiatives, announced back in November 2014, deferring removal of millions of unauthorized immigrants. The policies in question, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+), raise numerous questions about immigration law. However, one of the most important issues in the case - whether Texas has standing to challenge these initiatives at all - transcends immigration law and could be the deciding factor in this high-stakes dispute. So while the decision in United States v. Texas will be monumental within immigration law, it will also allow the Court to settle major questions about the role of the states in monitoring federal law enforcement policies.

On Friday the 13th, Paris was subjected to multiple terrorist attacks. News agencies have provided non-stop graphic images of the ensuing deaths and panic. In the wake of this horrific event, governments and cities across the world have pledged their support and solidarity with the French. And, French fighter jets have launched retaliatory strikes in Syria.

The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month which kicked off September 15 and runs through October 15. This is a special time to celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. As a city with a large Latino population, Houston kicked off the celebration with the annual Fiestas Patrias parade. For more information on events in the Houston area in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, please visit www.hispanichouston.com.

In a recent study conducted by the Bureau of Labor statistics, researchers found that law is one of the least racially diverse professions in the nation with 88 percent of lawyers being white. Recent diverse appointments on the Supreme Court, the attorney general's office, and in the executive branch seem to suggest that this field is growing more diverse, but the facts suggest otherwise. In a profession which intersects so often with representative government, it is important that it be as inclusive as the nation it serves.

Awards & Recognition

The Equal Access to Justice Champions Program was started by the Houston Bar Association in 2006, to help ensure placement of Houston Volunteer Lawyers cases with pro bono volunteers. Originally, firms were tiered according to size, and firms within each tier committed to accept a certain number of pro bono cases from HVL each year for five years.

The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state or region who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase objective and uniformly applied process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research.

Established in 1993, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (which includes the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum) is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. There are over 4000 members throughout the country. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.

Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Their methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

In order to earn the Lead Counsel Rating, an attorney must not only demonstrate significant legal experience, but must also receive multiple peer recommendations advocating his or her ability. This is a key component in the screening process.

Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in Texas via a patented multiphase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation. The Texas lawyers who receive the highest point totals during this selection process are further recognized in Texas Super Lawyers Top Lists.

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The firm successfully represented nearly 100 victims who suffered personal injuries and damages to property from a large fire and explosion resulting in a settlement of more than $50 million. The firm served as lead lawyers on the steering committee in this litigation.

$80 Million Personal Injury Large Plant Explosion

The firm successfully represented 270 plaintiffs', taking a lead role in the plaintiffs' steering committee, who suffered injuries in a large plant explosion resulting in a settlement of nearly $80 million.

$50+ Million Personal Injury Plant Fire and Explosion

The firm successfully represented 45 personal injury victims in a plant fire and explosion, serving on the plaintiffs' steering committee, concluding with a settlement of more than $50 million.

$22+ Million Personal Injury Work Site Accident

The firm prevailed in a personal injury trial for a worksite injury client with the jury returning a verdict and resulting in a judgment of over $22 million for the firm's client.

$12 Million Auto Accident 18-Wheeler Collision

The firm successfully achieved a $12 million settlement for the family of a man who died in an 18 wheeler collision.

$30 Million Personal Injury Burn Victims

The firm prevailed on behalf of three burn victims with settlements totaling nearly $30 million.

Our Record Of Success.

When you are hurt and you choose a law firm to represent you in court or at the negotiation table, you need to carefully consider the firm's record.